Sun visor with photoluminescent structure

ABSTRACT

A vehicle lighting system is provided. The system includes a sun visor having a visor body movable between a stored position and a use position. A photoluminescent structure is coupled to a surface of the visor body and a light source is coupled to a headliner and oriented to excite the photoluminescent structure when the visor body is in the use position. A switch is included for activating the light source in response to a signal change.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/301,635 filed on Jun. 11, 2014, entitled, “PHOTOLUMINESCENT VEHICLE READING LAMP,” which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/156,869, which was filed on Jan. 16, 2014, entitled “VEHICLE DOME LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE,” which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/086,442, filed Nov. 21, 2013, and entitled “VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE,” the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to vehicle lighting systems, and more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems employing photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Illumination arising from photoluminescent structures offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. It is therefore desired to incorporate such photoluminescent structures in vehicle lighting systems to provide ambient and task lighting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lighting system is provided.

The system includes a sun visor having a visor body movable between a stored position and a use position. A photoluminescent structure is coupled to a surface of the visor body and a light source is coupled to a headliner and oriented to excite the photoluminescent structure when the visor body is in the use position. A switch is included for activating the light source in response to a signal change.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lighting system is provided. The system includes a sun visor having a visor body movable between a stored and a use position. A photoluminescent structure is coupled to a surface of the visor body and a light source is remotely located from the visor body and oriented to excite the photoluminescent structure when the visor body is in the use position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lighting system is provided. The system includes a sun visor having a visor body movable between a stored and a use position. A photoluminescent structure is coupled to a surface of the visor body and a light source is included for exciting the photoluminescent structure when the visor body is in the use position.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle having various illuminated fixtures;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rear passenger compartment of the automotive vehicle having various illuminated fixtures;

FIG. 3A illustrates a photoluminescent structure rendered as a coating;

FIG. 3B illustrates the photoluminescent structure rendered as a discrete particle;

FIG. 3C illustrates a plurality photoluminescent structures rendered as discrete particles and incorporated into a separate structure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a vehicle lighting system employing a front-lit configuration;

FIG. 5 illustrates the vehicle lighting system employing a backlit configuration;

FIG. 6 illustrates a control system of the vehicle lighting system;

FIG. 7 illustrates a backlit assembly provided in a center console of an automotive vehicle;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of a backlit interactive member taken along lines VIII-VIII of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of a vehicle dome lighting system.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front vehicle passenger compartment having at least one photoluminescent reading lamp, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side diagrammatic view of a reading lamp, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a bottom diagrammatic view of the reading lamp of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates a vehicle lighting system employing a photoluminescent structure coupled to a sun visor, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle lighting system shown in FIG. 13, wherein the sun visor is in a use position; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle lighting system shown in FIG. 13, wherein the sun visor is in a stored position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein.

However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to a detailed design and some schematics may be exaggerated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

The following disclosure describes a vehicle lighting system in which a vehicle fixture receives a photoluminescent structure for converting a primary emission into a secondary emission generally having a new color. For purposes of this disclosure, a vehicle fixture refers to any interior or exterior piece of vehicle equipment, or part thereof, suitable for receiving the photoluminescent structure described herein. While the implementation of the vehicle lighting system described herein is primarily directed towards automotive vehicle use, it should be appreciated that the vehicle lighting system may also be implemented in other types of vehicles designed to transport one or more passengers such as, but not limited to, watercrafts, trains, and aircrafts.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a passenger compartment 10 of an automotive vehicle is generally shown having a variety of exemplary vehicle fixtures 12 a-12 g located in the front and rear of the passenger compartment 10. The fixtures 12 a-12 g generally correspond to a headliner, a floor mat, a door trim panel, and various parts of a seat including a seat base, a backrest, a headrest, and a seat back, respectively. For purposes of illustration, and not limitation, each fixture 12 a-12 g may receive a photoluminescent structure, further described below, on a selected area 14 a-14 f of each fixture 12 a-12 f. With respect to the vehicle lighting system described herein, it should be appreciated that the selected area 12 a-12 f is not limited to any particular shape or size and may include portions of a fixture having planar and/or non-planar configurations. Although some fixtures 12 a-12 g have been exemplarily provided, it should be appreciated that other fixtures may be used in accordance with the vehicle lighting system described herein. Such fixtures may include instrument panels and components thereon, interactive mechanisms (e.g. push buttons, switches, dials, and the like), indicating devices (e.g. speedometer, tachometer, etc.), printed surfaces, in addition to exterior fixtures such as, but not limited to, keyless entry buttons, badges, side markers, license plate lamps, trunk lamps, headlights, and tail lights.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, a photoluminescent structure 16 is generally shown rendered as a coating (e.g. a film) capable of being applied to a vehicle fixture, a discrete particle capable of being implanted in a vehicle fixture, and a plurality of discrete particles incorporated into a separate structure capable of being applied to a vehicle fixture, respectively. At the most basic level, the photoluminescent structure 16 includes an energy conversion layer 18 that may be provided as a single layer or a multilayer structure, as shown through broken lines in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The energy conversion layer 18 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy converting elements selected from a phosphorescent or a fluorescent material and formulated to convert an inputted electromagnetic radiation into an outputted electromagnetic radiation generally having a longer wavelength and expressing a color that is not characteristic of the inputted electromagnetic radiation. The difference in wavelength between the inputted and outputted electromagnetic radiations is referred to as the Stokes shift and serves as the principle driving mechanism for the abovementioned energy conversion process, often referred to as down conversion.

The energy conversion layer 18 may be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material in a polymer matrix to form a homogenous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer 18 from a formulation in a liquid carrier medium and coating the energy conversion layer 18 to a desired planar and/or non-planar substrate of a vehicle fixture. The energy conversion layer 18 coating may be deposited on the selected vehicle fixture by painting, screen printing, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roller coating, and bar coating. Alternatively the energy conversion layer 18 may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier medium. For example, a solid state solution (homogenous mixture in a dry state) of one or more photoluminescent materials in a polymer matrix may be converted to the energy conversion layer 18 by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendaring, and thermoforming. In instances where one or more energy conversion layers 18 are rendered as particles, the single or multi-layered energy conversion layers 18 may be implanted into the chosen vehicle fixture instead of applying it as a coating. When the energy conversion layer 18 includes a multilayer formulation, each layer may be sequentially coated, or the layers can be separately prepared and later laminated or embossed together to form an integral layer. Alternatively, the layers may be coextruded to prepare an integrated multi-layered energy conversion structure.

Referring back to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the photoluminescent structure 16 may optionally include at least one stability layer 20 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 18 from photolytic and thermal degradation to provide sustained emissions of outputted electromagnetic radiation. The stability layer 20 may be configured as a separate layer and is optically coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer 18 or otherwise integrated with the energy conversion layer 18 provided a suitable polymer matrix is selected. The photoluminescent structure 16 may also optionally include a protection layer 22 optically coupled and adhered to the stability layer 20 or other layer to protect the photoluminescent structure 16 from physical and chemical damage arising from environmental exposure.

The stability layer 20 and/or the protective layer 22 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 18 to form an integrated photoluminescent structure 16 through sequential coating or printing of each layer, or by sequential lamination or embossing. Alternatively, several layers may be combined by sequential coating, lamination, or embossing to form a substructure, and the required substructure then laminated or embossed together to form the integrated photoluminescent structure 16. Once formed, the photoluminescent structure 16 may be applied to a chosen vehicle fixture. Alternatively, the photoluminescent structure 16 may be incorporated into the chosen vehicle fixture as one or more discrete multilayered particles. Alternatively still, the photoluminescent structure 16 may be provided as one or more discrete multilayered particles dispersed in a polymer formulation that is subsequently applied to the chosen vehicle fixture as a contiguous structure. Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,232,533 entitled “PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a vehicle lighting system 24 is generally shown according to a front-lit configuration (FIG. 4) and a backlit configuration (FIG. 5). In both configurations, the vehicle lighting system 24 includes a photoluminescent structure 16 rendered as a coating and applied to a substrate 40 of a vehicle fixture 42. The photoluminescent structure 16 includes an energy conversion layer 18 and optionally includes a stability layer 20 and/or a protective layer 22, as described previously. The energy conversion layer 18 includes a red-emitting photoluminescent material X₁, a green-emitting photoluminescent material X₂, and a blue-emitting photoluminescent material X₃ dispersed in a polymer matrix 44. The red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials X₁, X₂, and X₃ are chosen because varying mixtures of red, green, and blue light will enable a variety of color sensations to be duplicated. As further described below, an excitation source 26 is operable to excite each of the red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials X₁, X₂, and X₃ in various combinations to produce different colored light, which is allowed to escape from the photoluminescent structure 16 to provide ambient or task lighting.

The excitation source 26 is generally shown in an external location relative to the photoluminescent structure 16 and is operable to emit a primary emission having a light content defined by a first inputted electromagnetic radiation represented as directional arrow 28, a second inputted electromagnetic radiation represented as directional arrow 30, and/or a third inputted electromagnetic radiation represented as directional arrow 32. The contribution of each inputted electromagnetic radiation 28, 30, 32 in the primary emission depends on an activation state of a corresponding light emitting diode (LED) configured to output light at a unique peak wavelength. In both configurations, the first inputted electromagnetic radiation 28 is emitted from blue LED 34 at a peak wavelength X₁ selected from a blue spectral color range, which is defined herein as the range of wavelengths generally expressed as blue light (˜450-495 nanometers). The second inputted electromagnetic radiation 30 is emitted from blue LED 36 at a peak wavelength X₂ also selected from the blue spectral color range and the third inputted electromagnetic radiation 32 is emitted from blue LED 38 at a peak wavelength X₃ further selected from the blue spectral color range.

By virtue of peak wavelengths X₁, X₂, and X₃ having different lengths, blue LEDs 34, 36, and 38 may each be primarily responsible for exciting one of the red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials X₁, X₂, X₃. Specifically, blue LED 34 is primarily responsible for exciting the red-emitting photoluminescent material X₁, blue LED 36 is primarily responsible for exciting the green-emitting photoluminescent material X₂, and blue LED 38 is primarily responsible for exciting the blue-emitting photoluminescent material X₃. For more efficient energy conversion, the red-emitting photoluminescent material X₁ is selected to have a peak absorption wavelength corresponding to the peak wavelength X₁ associated with the first inputted electromagnetic radiation 28. When excited, the red-emitting photoluminescent material X₁ converts the first inputted electromagnetic radiation 28 into a first outputted electromagnetic radiation represented as directional arrow 46 and having a peak emission wavelength E₁ that includes a wavelength of a red spectral color range, which is defined herein as the range of wavelengths generally expressed as red light (˜620-750 nanometers). Likewise, the green-emitting photoluminescent material X₂ is selected to have a peak absorption wavelength corresponding to the peak wavelength X₂ of the second inputted electromagnetic radiation 30. When excited, the green-emitting photoluminescent material X₂ converts the second electromagnetic radiation 30 into a second outputted electromagnetic radiation represented as directional arrow 48 and having a peak emission wavelength E₂ that includes a wavelength of a green spectral color range, which is defined herein as the range of wavelengths generally expressed as green light (˜526-606 nanometers). Lastly, the blue-emitting photoluminescent material X₃ is selected to have a peak absorption wavelength corresponding to the peak wavelength X₃ of the third inputted electromagnetic radiation 32. When excited, the blue-emitting photoluminescent material X₃ converts the third inputted electromagnetic radiation 32 into a third outputted electromagnetic radiation represented as arrow 50 and having a peak emission wavelength E₃ that includes a longer wavelength of the blue spectral color range.

Given the relatively narrow band of the blue spectral color range, it is recognized that some spectral overlap may occur between the absorption spectrums of the red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials X₁, X₂, X₃. This may result in the inadvertent excitement of more than one of the red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials X₁, X₂, X₃ despite only one of the blue LEDs 34, 36, 38 being active, thereby producing unexpected color mixtures. Thus, if desiring greater color separation, the red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials X₁, X₂, X₃ should be selected to have narrow band absorption spectrums for minimizing any spectral overlap therebetween and peak wavelengths X_(i), X₂, and X₃ should be spaced apart to enable sufficient separation between the peak absorption wavelengths of the red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials X₁, X₂, X₃. In this manner, depending on which of the red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials X₁, X₂, X₃ are excited, a secondary emission having a more predictable light content may be produced. The secondary emission may express a variety of colors found in a typical RGB color space, including colors that are predominately red, green, blue, or any combination thereof. For example, when blue LEDs 34, 36, and 38 are activated simultaneously, the secondary emission may contain an additive light mixture of red, green, and blue light, which is generally perceived as white light. Other color sensations found in the RGB color space may be produced by activating blue LEDs 34, 36, and 38 in different combinations and/or changing the output intensity associated with the blue LEDs 34, 36, 38 through current control, pulse width modulation (PWM), or other means.

Regarding the vehicle lighting system 24 disclosed herein, blue LEDs 34, 36, and 38 are chosen as the excitation source 26 to take advantage of the relative cost benefit attributed therewith when used in vehicle lighting applications. Another advantage of using blue LEDs 34, 36, and 38 is the relatively low visibility of blue light, which may present less of a distraction to a vehicle driver and other occupants in instances where the primary emission must propagate in plain view before reaching the photoluminescent structure 16. Nevertheless, it should be appreciated that the vehicle lighting system 24 may also be implemented using other lighting devices as well as sunlight and/or ambient light. Furthermore, given the range of vehicle fixtures capable of receiving the photoluminescent structure 16, it should also be appreciated that the location of the excitation source 26 will naturally vary depending on the makeup of a particular vehicle fixture and may be external or internal to the photoluminescent structure 16 and/or the vehicle fixture. It should further be appreciated that the excitation source 26 may provide the primary emission directly or indirectly to the photoluminescent structure 16. That is, the excitation source 26 may be positioned such that the primary emission propagates towards the photoluminescent structure 16 or positioned such that the primary emission is distributed to the photoluminescent structure 16 via a light pipe, optical device, or the like.

The energy conversion process used by each of the red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials X₁, X₂, X₃ described above may be variously implemented given the wide selection of energy conversion elements available. According to one implementation, the energy conversion process occurs through a single absorption/emission event driven by one energy conversion element. For instance, the red-emitting photoluminescent material X₁ may include a phosphor exhibiting a large Stokes shift for absorbing the first inputted electromagnetic radiation 28 and subsequently emitting the first outputted electromagnetic radiation 46. Likewise, the green-emitting photoluminescent material X₂ may also include a phosphor exhibiting a large Stokes shift for absorbing the second inputted electromagnetic radiation 30 and emitting the second outputted electromagnetic radiation. One benefit of using a phosphor or other energy conversion element exhibiting a large Stokes shift is that greater color separation may be achieved between an inputted electromagnetic and an outputted electromagnetic radiation due to a reduction in spectral overlap between the corresponding absorption and emission spectrums. Similarly, by exhibiting a single Stokes shift, the absorption and/or emission spectrums for a given photoluminescent material are less likely to have spectral overlap with the absorption and/or emission spectrums of another photoluminescent material thereby providing greater color separation between the selected photoluminescent materials.

According to another implementation, the energy conversion process occurs through an energy cascade of absorption/emission events driven by a plurality of energy conversion elements with relatively shorter Stokes shifts. For example, the red-emitting photoluminescent material X₁ may contain fluorescent dyes, whereby some or all of the first inputted electromagnetic radiation 28 is absorbed to emit a first intermediate electromagnetic radiation having a longer wavelength and a color that is not characteristic of the first inputted electromagnetic radiation 28. The first intermediate electromagnetic radiation is then absorbed a second time to emit a second intermediate electromagnetic radiation having yet a longer wavelength and a color that is not characteristic of the first intermediate electromagnetic radiation. The second intermediate electromagnetic radiation may be further converted with additional energy conversion elements exhibiting the appropriate Stokes shifts until the desired peak emission wavelength E₁ associated with the first outputted electromagnetic radiation 46 is obtained. A similar energy conversion process may also be observed for the green-emitting photoluminescent material X₂. While energy conversion processes implementing energy cascades may produce broad color spectrums, increasing the number of Stokes shifts may result in less efficient down conversions due to a greater likelihood of spectral overlap between the associated absorption and emission spectrums. In addition, if desiring greater color separation, additional consideration should be exercised such that the absorption and/or emission spectrums of a photoluminescent material have minimal overlap with the absorption and/or emission spectrums of another photoluminescent material also implementing an energy cascade or some other energy conversion process.

Regarding the blue-emitting photoluminescent material X₃, successive conversions of the third inputted electromagnetic radiation 32 via an energy cascade are unlikely to be necessary since the inputted electromagnetic radiation 32 and the outputted electromagnetic radiation 50 are both predisposed to have relatively close peak wavelengths in the blue spectral color range. Thus, the blue photoluminescent material X₃ may include an energy conversion element exhibiting a small Stokes shift. If desiring greater color separation, the blue photoluminescent material X₃ should be selected with an emission spectrum having minimal spectral overlap with the absorption spectrums of the red and green-emitting photoluminescent materials X₁, X₂. Alternatively, an ultraviolet LED may replace blue LED 38 to enable an energy conversion element exhibiting a larger Stokes shift to be used and to provide more flexible spacing opportunities for the emission spectrum of the blue-emitting photoluminescent material X₃ within the blue spectral color range. For front-lit configurations, the photoluminescent structure 16 may alternatively include a narrowband reflective material configured to reflect the third inputted electromagnetic radiation 32 emitted from blue LED 38 in lieu of performing an energy conversion thereto to express blue light, which obviates the need for including the blue-emitting photoluminescent material X₃. Alternatively, the aforementioned reflective material may be configured to reflect a selected amount of the first and second inputted electromagnetic radiations 28, 30 to express blue light, thereby obviating the need for including the blue-emitting photoluminescent material X₃ and blue LED 38. For back-lit configurations, blue light may alternatively be expressed by merely relying on some amount of the third inputted electromagnetic radiation 32 passing through the photoluminescent structure 16, wherein the blue-emitting photoluminescent material X₃ has been omitted.

Since many energy conversion elements are Lambertian emitters, the resulting secondary emissions may be propagated in all directions, including directions pointing away from a desired output surface 52 of the photoluminescent structure 16. As a result, some or all of the secondary emissions may be trapped (total internal reflection) or absorbed by corresponding structures (e.g. the vehicle fixture 42), thereby reducing the luminosity of the photoluminescent structure 16. To minimize the aforementioned phenomenon, the photoluminescent structure 16 may optionally include at least one wavelength-selective layer 54 formulated to redirect (e.g. reflect) wayward propagating secondary emissions towards the output surface 52, which also behaves as an input surface 56 with respect to front-lit configuration shown in FIG. 4. In instances where the input surface 56 and output surface 52 are different, as generally shown by the backlit configuration in FIG. 5, the wavelength-selective layer 54 should readily transmit any primary emissions and redirect any wayward propagating secondary emissions towards the output surface 52.

In both configurations, the wavelength-selective layer 54 is positioned between the substrate 40 and the energy conversion layer 18 so that at least some secondary emissions propagating towards the substrate 40 are redirected towards the output surface 52 to maximize the output of the secondary emission from the photoluminescent structure 16. To this end, the wavelength-selective layer 54 should at the very least be prepared from materials that scatter, but do not absorb, the peak emission wavelengths E₁, E₂, E₃ associated with the first, second, and third outputted electromagnetic radiations 46, 48, 50, respectively. The wavelength-selective layer 54 may be rendered as a coating and is optically coupled to the energy conversion layer 18 and adhered to both the energy conversion layer 18 and the substrate 40 using some of the previously described methods, or other suitable methods.

Referring to FIG. 6, the excitation source 26 may be electrically coupled to a processor 60, which provides power to the excitation source 26 via a power source 62 (e.g. onboard vehicle power supply) and controls the operational state of the excitation source and/or the intensity levels of the primary emission of the excitation source 26. Control instructions to the processor 60 may be executed automatically from a program stored within memory. Additionally or alternatively, control instructions may be provided from a vehicle device or system via at least one input 64. Additionally or alternatively still, control instructions may be provided to the processor 60 via any conventional user input mechanism 66, such as, but not limited to, push buttons, switches, touchscreens, and the like. While the processor 60 is shown electrically coupled to one excitation source 26 in FIG. 6, it should be appreciated that the processor 60 may also be configured to control additional excitation sources using any of the methods described above.

Various vehicle lighting systems will now be described in greater detail. As described below, each system utilizes one or more photoluminescent structures in conjunction with a vehicle fixture to provide an enhanced viewing experience to vehicle occupants.

Backlit Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a backlit assembly 67 is generally shown and will be described herein as incorporating the vehicle lighting system 24 in a backlit configuration described previously with reference to FIG. 5 and may employ any alternative configurations associated therewith. As shown in FIG. 7, the backlit assembly 67 is exemplarily provided as a center console having a support member 68 (e.g. a trimplate) supporting one or more backlit interactive members, indicated by reference numerals 70 a, 70 b, and 70 c. For purposes of illustration, the backlit interactive members 70 a, 70 b, 70 c are embodied as a push button, a rotary knob, and a toggle switch, respectively, each configurable to enable a user to interface with one or more vehicle features such as an audio system, a climate control system, a navigation system, etc.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cross sectional view of backlit interactive member 70 a is shown according to one embodiment. With respect to the illustrated embodiment, backlit interactive member 70 a at least partially extends through an opening formed in the support member 68 and may be mounted in the backlit assembly 67 in any conventional manner. The backlit interactive member 70 a may include a light conducting body having a front side 78 and at least one sidewall 80, and may be formed through injection molding or other suitable methods. While the backlit interactive member 70 a is embodied as a push button in FIG. 8, it should be appreciated that other embodiments are also possible such as a rotary knob, a toggle switch, or the like.

According to the present embodiment, the excitation source 26 is positioned to provide a primary emission in the form of backlighting, as represented by directional arrow 84 to the backlit interactive member 70 a. The primary emission 84 may be provided directly from the excitation source 26 or indirectly via a light pipe, optical device, or the like and may contain one or more inputted electromagnetic radiations, each having a uniquely associated peak wavelength and each being emitted from a corresponding LED.

The primary emission 84 is supplied to the front side 78 of the backlit interactive member 70 a and is transmitted therethrough. The primary emission 84 is then received in the photoluminescent structure 16, which may convert substantially all of the primary emission into a secondary emission containing one or more outputted electromagnetic radiations, each having a uniquely associated peak emission wavelength. Alternatively, the photoluminescent structure 16 may convert some of the primary emission into the secondary emission and transmit the rest as an unconverted outputted electromagnetic radiation. In any event, one or more outputted electromagnetic radiations, collectively represented by arrow 86, exit through the output surface 52 of the photoluminescent structure 16 and express a color sensation found in an RGB color space.

To bolster the luminosity of the photoluminescent structure 16, a wavelength-selective layer 54 may be provided therein for redirecting any backscattered secondary emissions 86 towards the output surface 52. Optionally, an opaque layer 88 is coupled to at least the photoluminescent structure 16 and defines an opening 90 that is characteristic of an insignia through which the secondary emission 86 is transmitted, thereby illuminating the insignia.

Vehicle Dome Lighting System

Referring to FIG. 9, a schematic diagram is shown for implementing a vehicle dome lighting system 92 in a vehicle 93. The vehicle dome lighting system 92 incorporates the vehicle lighting system 24 in a front-lit configuration as described previously in reference to FIG. 4 and may employ any alternative configurations associated therewith. As shown in FIG. 9, the photoluminescent structure 16 is contiguously coupled to a vehicle headliner 94 and a plurality of excitation sources 26 a-26 g are each positioned to emit a primary emission towards an associated area 96 a-96 g of the photoluminescent structure 16. The primary emission emitted from any given excitation source 26 a-26 g may contain one or more inputted electromagnetic radiations, each having a uniquely associated peak wavelength and each being emitted from a corresponding LED. As previously described, the photoluminescent structure 16 may convert substantially all of the primary emission into a secondary emission containing one or more outputted electromagnetic radiations, each having a uniquely associated peak emission wavelength. Alternatively, the photoluminescent structure 16 may reflect some of the primary emission and convert the rest into the secondary emission. In either configuration, the photoluminescent structure 16 may optionally include the wavelength-selective layer 54 for redirecting any backscattered secondary emission to bolster the luminosity of the photoluminescent structure 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, excitation sources 26 a-26 d are each operably coupled to an associated headrest 98 a-98 d and optically configured to illuminate a corresponding corner area 96 a-96 d of the photoluminescent structure 16 in a generally circular pattern. Excitation sources 26 e and 26 f are each optically coupled to an associated b-pillar 100 e, 100 f and are each optically configured to illuminate a corresponding side area 96 e, 96 f of the photoluminescent structure 16 in a generally half-circular pattern. Lastly, excitation source 26 g is operably coupled to the vehicle headliner 94 and optically configured to illuminate a corresponding central area 96 g in a generally circular pattern. As can be seen in FIG. 9, such an arrangement provides the opportunity for overlap between associated areas 96 a-96 g that are adjacent to one another, thereby covering a substantial total area of the photoluminescent structure 16. As such, the vehicle dome lighting system 92 may be controlled (e.g. via processor 60) to provide a total or isolated lighting experience by activating all or some of the excitation sources 26 a-26 g. Additionally or alternatively, the use of multiple excitation sources 26 a-26 g, enables any given associated area 96 a-96 g of the photoluminescent structure 16 to produce a color sensation (composed of outputted electromagnetic radiation and/or reflected inputted electromagnetic radiation) found in an RGB color space that is similar or different to the color sensation produced by any other associated area 96 a-96 g. This may be achieved by manipulating the light content of the primary emission emitted from any active excitation source 26 a-26 g.

Vehicle Reading Lamp

Referring to FIG. 10, the front vehicle passenger compartment 102 of a wheeled vehicle 104 is generally illustrated having at least one reading lamp 106 assembled in an overhead console 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the overhead console 108 is assembled to the interior side of the headliner of the front vehicle passenger compartment 102 and positioned in a central location in the front vehicle passenger compartment 102. As exemplarily shown, two reading lamps 106 are assembled to the overhead console 108, one positioned to provide greater access and lighting to a driver of the vehicle 104 and the other positioned to provide greater access and lighting to a front vehicle passenger seat occupant. Each reading lamp 106 has a visible outer lens and may be activated by switch, such as a proximity switch having a proximity sensor (e.g. capacitive sensor), a mechanically depressible finger push, or other means, to provide task lighting, particularly in low light or dark conditions. While two reading lamps 106 have been generally shown in FIG. 10, it should be appreciated that one or more reading lamps 106 can be assembled at other locations of the overhead console 108 or other locations on board the vehicle 104.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a reading lamp 106 is shown according to one embodiment. As best shown in FIG. 11, the reading lamp 106 includes an outer lens 110 and a first surface 112 and a second surface 114 positioned behind the outer lens 110. A first photoluminescent structure 116 is coupled to the first surface 112 and a second photoluminescent structure 118 is coupled to the second surface 114. A first light source 120 is provided to excite the first photoluminescent structure 116 to emit a first colored light for illuminating the outer lens 110 and a second light source 122 is provided to excite the second photoluminescent structure 118 to emit a second colored light for illuminating the outer lens 110. The illuminated outer lens 110 may direct light illumination in an output to serve as a map or reading light.

Each of the first and second photoluminescent structures 116, 118 may be coupled to the corresponding first and second surfaces 112, 114 in any suitable manner. The first light source 120 can be coupled to the first surface 112 and the second light source 122 can be coupled to the second surface 114. As best shown in FIG. 12, each of the first and second light sources 120, 122 can be peripherally located on the corresponding first and second surfaces 112, 114. Additionally, each of the first and second light sources 120, 122 can be configured as side-emitting LEDs such that outputted light from the first light source 120 is projected only onto the first photoluminescent structure 116 and outputted light from the second light source 122 is only projected onto the second photoluminescent structure 118. In one embodiment, the first and second light sources 120, 122 are each either a blue LED or an ultraviolet LED and the first photoluminescent structure 116 contains a red-emitting photoluminescent material and the second photoluminescent structure 118 contains a green-emitting photoluminescent material.

Referring still to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first and second surfaces 112, 114 can be disposed opposite one another and are each oriented at an acute angle relative to the outer lens 110. The first surface 112 can be configured to redirect backscattered light originating from the first photoluminescent structure 116 towards the outer lens 110 and the second surface 114 can be configured to redirect backscattered light originating from the second photoluminescent structure 118 towards the outer lens 110. With respect to the present embodiment, the first and second surfaces 112, 114 can each be a surface of a corresponding printed circuit board (PCB) 124, 126 that has a reflective coating such as a white solder mask or conformal coat for redirecting backscattered light originating from the corresponding first and second photoluminescent structures 116, 118 towards the outer lens 110.

As is further shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the reading lamp 106 can also include a third light source 128 positioned between the first and second surfaces 112, 114 and disposed on a third surface 130, which can be that of a corresponding PCB 132 or other support structure.

Additionally, the third light source 128 can be an LED (e.g. blue LED) oriented to directly illuminate the outer lens 110. In this manner, when light sources 120, 122, and 128 are activated, the outer lens 110 can be simultaneously illuminated with light outputted from the first photoluminescent structure 116, the second photoluminescent structure 118, and the third light source 128. In one embodiment, the outer lens 110 can be a diffusing optic configured to disperse light received from the first, second, and/or third light sources 120, 122, 128 so that light leaving the outer lens 110 is more evenly distributed. Additionally, the PCBs 124, 126, 132 can be supported within a housing 133 that is coupled to the outer lens 110.

In operation, the activation state of each light source 120, 122, 128 can be independently controlled by a processor (e.g. processor 60). In this manner, one or more of the light sources 120, 122, 128 can be activated so that different colors of visible light can be emitted from the outer lens 110 and observed by vehicle occupants. For example, in the embodiment where the first and second photoluminescent structures 116, 118 are red-emitting and green structures, respectively, and light source 128 is a blue LED, it is possible to produce various colored lights found in the RGB color space. This can be accomplished by selecting which of the light sources 120, 122, 128 to activate as well as adjusting the amount of electrical power supplied thereto via pulse width modulation (PWM) or direct current control. It is contemplated that the wavelength or color of the light outputted from the outer lens 110 can be set automatically or by a vehicle occupant through a user input mechanism (e.g. user input mechanism 66).

Vehicle Sun Visor

Referring to FIGS. 13-15, a vehicle lighting system 134 is illustrated according to one embodiment. The system 134 includes a sun visor 136 having a visor body 138 that is movable between a stored position (FIG. 14) and a use position (FIG. 15). In the illustrated embodiment, the sun visor 136 is assembled to a vehicle roof structure 140 and generally abuts thereagainst in the stored position and suspends downward therefrom in the use position to block sunlight and thereby prevent a vehicle occupant 142 from being dazzled. Additionally, the visor body 138 can include a vanity mirror 144 as well as other accessories commonly associated with sun visors.

With respect to the illustrated embodiment, a photoluminescent structure 146 is coupled to a surface 148 of the visor body 138 that generally faces the vehicle occupant 142 when the visor body 138 is moved to the use position. As best shown in FIG. 13, the photoluminescent structure 146 can be applied to a substantial portion of the unoccupied space of the surface 148. However, it should be appreciated that the photoluminescent structure 146 can occupy a smaller portion of the surface 148 if desired. Furthermore, portions of the photoluminescent structure 146 may be masked to display an insignia.

Referring still to FIGS. 13-15, a light source 150 is located remotely from the visor body 138. As shown, the light source 150 can be coupled to the roof structure 140 and oriented to excite the photoluminescent structure 146 when the visor body 138 is in the use position. Additionally, the light source 150 can be sunken into the roof structure 140 to remain hidden from view and can be powered via power source 151 (e.g. onboard power supply). In this manner, the photoluminescent structure 146 and the light source 150 can be used together as a vanity light and allows the sun visor 136 to be constructed free from any electrical components and wiring, thereby providing a simpler and more cost effective design. Furthermore, by virtue of the positioning of the light source 150, light emitted therefrom that is reflected off the visor body 138 is unlikely to enter the field of view of the vehicle occupant 142. With respect to the vehicle lighting system 134 described and shown herein, it should be understood that the light source 150 and the photoluminescent structure 146 can take on any of the front-lit configurations described previously herein. That is, the light source 150 can include one or more LEDs and the photoluminescent structure 146 can include one or more photoluminescent materials formulated to convert light received from a corresponding LED into visible light of a different wavelength.

As is further shown in FIGS. 13-15, the vehicle lighting system 134 can include a proximity switch or proximity sensor 152 for activating the light source 150 in response to a signal change. The proximity sensor 152 can be magnetic, capacitive, infrared, the like, and combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the light source 150 can be activated via a mechanical switch.

In the illustrated embodiment, the proximity sensor 152 is configured to detect the visor body 138 in the stored position and activate the light source 150 when the visor body 138 is no longer detected. The proximity sensor 152 is shown as a magnetic switch embedded in the roof structure 140 that is actuated by a magnet 154 embedded in the visor body 138. The magnet 154 can be located towards an end of the visor body 138 and aligns itself with the magnetic switch when the visor body 138 is in the stored position. In that position, the magnet 154 applies a magnetic field to the magnetic switch that causes a pair of contacts 156, 158 to open, thereby deactivating the light source 150. Alternatively, when the visor body 138 is moved to the use position, the magnetic field ceases to be present and the contacts 156, 158 are returned to a closed position, thereby causing the light source 150 to become activated and excite the photoluminescent structure 146 by activating the light source 150.

Accordingly, a photoluminescent structure and various vehicle lighting systems employing the same have been provided herein. Each system advantageously employs one or more photoluminescent structures to enhance a driving experience and/or general appearance of a vehicle fixture.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle lighting system comprising: a sun visor having a visor body movable between a stored position and a use position; a photoluminescent structure coupled to a surface of the visor body; a light source coupled to a headliner and oriented to excite the photoluminescent structure when the visor body is in the use position; and a switch for activating the light source in response to a signal change.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source is sunken into the headliner.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source is at least one of a blue LED and an ultraviolet LED.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the photoluminescent structure contains a photoluminescent material formulated to convert light received from the light source into visible light of a different color.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a magnetic switch embedded in a headliner and is actuated by a magnet embedded in the visor body.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the magnetic switch comprises a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first and second contacts are open when a magnetic field is present and closed when the magnetic field is no longer present.
 7. A vehicle lighting system comprising: a sun visor having a visor body movable between a stored and a use position; a photoluminescent structure coupled to a surface of the visor body; and a light source remotely located from the visor body and oriented to excite the photoluminescent structure when the visor body is in the use position.
 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a proximity sensor for activating the light source in response to a signal change.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a magnetic switch embedded in a headliner and is actuated by a magnet embedded in the visor body.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the magnetic switch comprises a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first and second contacts are open when a magnetic field is present and closed when the magnetic field is no longer present.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the light source is coupled to a headliner.
 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the light source is at least one of a blue LED and an ultraviolet LED.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the photoluminescent structure contains a photoluminescent material formulated to convert light received from the light source into visible light of a different color.
 14. A vehicle lighting system comprising: a sun visor having a visor body movable between a stored and a use position; a photoluminescent structure coupled to a surface of the visor body; and a light source for exciting the photoluminescent structure when the visor body is in the use position.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the light source is coupled to a headliner.
 16. The system of claim 14, further comprising a proximity sensor for activating the light source in response to a signal change.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a magnetic switch embedded in a headliner and is and is actuated by a magnet embedded in the visor body.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the magnetic switch comprises a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first and second contacts are open when a magnetic field is present and closed when the magnetic field is no longer present.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein the light source is at least one of a blue LED and an ultraviolet LED.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the photoluminescent structure contains a photoluminescent material formulated to convert light received from the light source into visible light of a different color. 